November 25 – Yokohama – Nissan’s Autonomous Drive vehicle took to the public highways of Japan Monday, another milestone first for the car’s cutting-edge technologies.

Nissan carried out the highway test with the cooperation of the Kanagawa prefectural government, further progress on a road map that will see more Autonomous zero-emission vehicles sporting cameras, laser guidance and radar for the ultimate in assisted driving.

Nissan Vice Chairman Toshiyuki Shiga and Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa took the AD car for a spin on the Sagami Expressway, southwest of Yokohama, and Shiga said the test further advances the vehicle’s can-do list.

Nissan's Autonomous Car

“I feel we are very near to creating fully autonomous drive. We entered the highway, overtook slower cars, and got off the highway, entirely in autonomous driving mode,” said Shiga.

“We entered the highway very slowly, at 40 km/hour, and driving at 80 km/hour on the highway. Autonomous drive is becoming very realistic now.”

Governor Kuroiwa says the prefecture, which will be home to Nissan’s Autonomous Drive proving ground, is perfect to host further refinement of the Autonomous Drive technology.

“This technology is still in its infant stage. It lacks road experience, but by accumulating those experiences, the technology will further evolve,” he said.

Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa

“The more it learns from driving time, the more intelligent the system becomes, as well as safer. I was amazed by the capabilities of this car.”

The drive took place near the Sagami Robot Industry Special Zone, an area hosting projects such as life-assist robots.

Earlier this month Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe christened the AD car with a ride on the streets of Tokyo, while further road milestones are coming as Nissan brings the technologies across its entire model line of vehicles.